IN THE NETHERREALM
Mileena pounces onto a sturdy built demon, biting into his skin and ripping into his bloodstream. He screams in horror right up until she decapitates him, making him lose his balance and fall onto the dusty, red terrain. She keeps his severed head between her teeth as she takes to her feet, and then begins to feast upon it. Most of the city inhabitants watch in confusion and slight fear. She throws his head aside, letting it land on the ground in a puddle of blood.
"Mm, I love feasting on those who oppose me!" she announces just before rubbing the stained blood all over her hips alluringly. "So who else disagrees with my rule?!" she adds.
The morning sun in the Netherrealm appears as a deep yet somewhat bright orange, giving the realm its unusual tint of strictly warm colors. The very warm temperatures are almost visible in the red-orange sky. As Mileena peers around the crowd, no one seems to respond.
"Good…now be gone!" she dismisses them.
The city goes back to their somewhat chaotic ways and Mileena heads back to her lair. The gothic exterior of the buildings look very similar. They each have spikes that suspend from the roofs as well as the same all black color scheme. However, Mileena's lair is the tallest building, and is magenta and black. Mileena takes another step towards her chambers when Shinnok appears in front of her in a wisp of violet aura.
"It seems as though you've made this area more…obedient…yet only in mere hours. Interesting…" he takes note with a grin.
"Well, I am one-seventh of your eyes in this realm correct?" she quotes, a grin on her face.
He approaches her, now in a sudden amused mood.
"Come, I believe it's time for you to meet your fellow 'eyes' within this realm," he announces while placing a hand on her shoulder.
With barely any effort, they vanish, reappearing on a very long and somewhat narrow golden bridge that overlooks a dark bronze-like body of water. The gloomy yet reddish Netherrealm sunlight reflects off of the luminous bridge, giving the realm a more regal feel much like the city of Nekros does. The bridge stretches almost as far as the eye can see.
"Behold, the Bridge of Immortality," he holds his hand outward as if he is placing the bridge on display for Mileena to see.
A grin comes to her face as she looks down at the sea. However, looking deeper into the waters, she notices something more; souls. Souls that do not choose to be in this realm, souls that are most likely stolen and souls that reach out to Mileena in sorrow with a thirst for freedom. Even if that freedom were only for short time. But, Mileena senses that there is nothing she or anyone else could do to free them. No, Shinnok owns this, owns them and even slightly owns her, though she hates to admit it.
"That which is below is the Sea of Immortality, another place in which spirits are cast down. However, this is just the first plane of my infinite realm," he explains.
She turns to him with curious eyes.
"If it is truly infinite, how do you keep yourself updated on things that occur so often? Let alone divide the realm's locations?" she questions.
"I could not call myself a former Elder God if I cannot manage a realm. I suppose I just think of it as an Earthrealm in progress," he concludes darkly.
"Ah, Lord Shinnok," they hear, redirecting both of their attention spans.
A woman with tanned skin and shoulder length black hair with a white highlight in the front stands before them in a two piece all black leather outfit outlined in red. The black tribal markings on her face and her arms make it obvious she belongs to a cult of some sort. Along with her are two women who wear similar getups, yet slightly less revealing. The woman to her right is rather pale with black hair reaching the center of her back while the one to her left has a much darker pigmentation and white hair that just passes her shoulders.
The tribal markings stay true to all three of their faces as well. The darker woman has white paintings gracing her cheeks while the pale woman has pitch black paintings on hers. They each display beauty in their own unique way. The trio analyzes Mileena as they slowly advance forward, and then bow to Shinnok.
"Ah my lovelies, where is that blasted Quan Chi?" he inquires.
Mileena turns her attention from the three women to Shinnok.
"You mean the sorcerer Quan Chi?" she wonders.
"You seem to pick up on things quite quickly. Perhaps you are aware of their identities as well?" he turns to the group of women and Mileena does also.
She analyzes them with amused eyes. If they happen to be any sort of threat, or even if they simply happen to annoy her, she'd waste no time in sinking her teeth into their skin. She licks her lips and then casually smiles. An innocent approach veils all devious thoughts and ideas from the common fool, which to Mileena, these women appear to be.
"I do not, but I take it they must be of your precious group of specters?" Mileena asks calmly.
"Smart seductress," he grins. "This is Sareena, the specter of opportunity. The other two are her underlings, Kia and Jataaka. They are members of the Brotherhood of Shadow, a cult that worships my rule. They not only serve me, but their designated master Quan Chi, whom is my most trusted advisor," he finishes.
"Am I now? An honor it is to be such Lord Shinnok," a voice booms from behind the group of women on the Bridge of Immortality.
A man of pale pigmentation with several sorcery markings that match the markings on his servants' skin approaches. His top is absent allowing his torso markings to be seen. There is an absence of hair from his head also, granting the look of sorcery more fitting, yet the title of being a mortal all too good to be true. Though he has ways of mimicking immortality and has been for many years, he could still easily die like the rest. Mileena knows this, for being the former daughter of the emperor means ignorance of such power is nipped in the bud.
The three women bow before their master as Mileena's devious grin stays present. She can already conclude trusting this one would be a grave mistake, and she also knows that if Shinnok truly trusts him like he leads them all to believe, he is making that grave mistake.
"I see you are showing the newest recruit her…allies," the sorcerer says.
"Ally is an overstatement," Mileena counters.
This brings another sly smile to Shinnok's face, and even a grin to Quan Chi's. However, the trio somewhat faces her in shock. Should they have taken that tone and gave that response to Quan Chi they would have had their human-like appearances taken away for quite some time. Unlike Mileena, their beauty is only a magical guise, which Quan Chi constructed on purpose to have control over them.
"She has her points doesn't she? Perhaps she should be my most trusted adviser…" Shinnok deviously considers while placing a hand on her shoulder. "I shall see to it some souls are ready for you Quan Chi, I sense the level of your sorcery is slightly draining.
"Many thanks Lord Shinnok," he replies.
"Carry on with your duties, she has plenty of specters to meet," he announces just before vanishing again with Mileena.
They reappear hovering above a field of red, mostly concealed by a thick red mist. Shouts and cries are heard as decapitation and dismembering are seen. This excites Mileena, for the warriors do not take notice of their presence so far above them. Shinnok's sorcery keeps them both afloat with hardly any effort. Her eyes widen as she peers downward.
"What area is this?"
"This, my dear, is only the third plane, the Slaughter Fields," he explains.
Mileena catches every verbal detail. So much red fog covers the field it is almost too difficult to make anything out. Or at least it would be for the average being. So many bodies have fallen that it has created an extra layer of ground. In fact, the ground itself was no longer visible. Just blood and bodies, from mortals to oni, is the only thing you can lay eyes on in this area. Warriors charge regardless however, murdering more foes and adding to the deathly collection. This intrigues Mileena's wild side.
"Who is the specter in charge of such an area?" she inquires.
Shinnok faces her with informing eyes.
"There actually is no specter assigned here. Though there is supposed to be one in every plane and each must have a different nature, I failed in making that occur," Shinnok tells.
"I do not understand," Mileena replies.
"Many millennia ago, I was once in your position, but much more dreadful. I was casted down and was to be enslaved for the rest of my immortal existence for betraying the other Elder Gods due to what I thought was right and interfering with mortal affairs. They thought endless torture was enough to stop me. However, with the help of Quan Chi, I managed to conquer this realm," Mileena listens carefully. "Overtime I began to notice taking over the realm only trapped me inside, which meant the Elder Gods were at a win-win point in time. That is until Quan Chi discovered a way we could both be freed of the Netherrealm while still controlling it; a spell with a large incantation. It requires eight specters not including myself, all of different variety. Lust, Opportunity, Light, Darkness, Pain, Greed, and Rage," Shinnok faces Mileena. "I've found them all…however there is one specific specter I do not have within my grasp that I need in order to complete the transaction, an Enenra."
Mileena faces him in curiosity.
"An Enenra?"
"Yes, a very rare specter created by a sacrifice. They are creatures of vapor with the ability to phase into their demonic appearance whenever they wish to," Shinnok replies.
This brings a familiar feeling back to Mileena for a moment, causing her to slip into a flashback.
"What do you mean?" Mileena asks confused.
"This is the easy way down," a voice says before a medium cloud of smoke engulfs them both, and teleports them down to the first floor in what feels like a split second.
The smoke dissolves into the air as if it were never there as they stand in a currently empty hall.
Mileena slightly rubs her head and then turns to Shinnok, brushing off the strange thought.
"I see, blasted Elder Gods and their punishments," Mileena adds.
The violet energy engulfs Mileena again, teleporting both her and Shinnok inside a metallic building. Mileena takes a few steps forward, hearing her gold rimmed magenta heels click on the metallic and glossy floor. She peers downward and sees souls, trapped souls, much like the souls within the Sea of Immortality. The noise and sight of large metal furnaces fill the room, making the temperature much higher and their surroundings slightly noisier.
"More souls," she says out loud. "Do you utilize them?" Mileena turns and makes eye contact with the fallen Elder God.
"I have no need for them, I am still immortal. However, should my immortality drain, rest assured they shall be put to great use," he replies.
"These souls…there is something familiar about them…" Mileena's thoughts take off.
"This however, is the Prison of Souls, one of the most vital planes within this realm. This along with the Sea of Immortality is where the majority of the casted down souls without a specific punishment reside," Shinnok explains.
"Is that so…" she trails off for a moment.
Mileena turns back to Shinnok and notices a figure with a green face approaching him from behind stealthily. She wastes no time in disappearing into magenta luster and reappearing in front of the figure in her fighting stance.
"At ease Mileena, this is no other than Drahmin, the designated specter of this area," Shinnok says.
Mileena gets a closer look at the man. His skin seems to be absent, as well as his lower right arm that is replaced by a club of steel laced with spikes. Black armored shorts and a steel shoulder pad are his only type of clothing, along with a glimmering jade, Japanese style mask that conceals his entire face. A small pack of flies follows close behind him as he walks. Sure he may be a specter, but he is obviously also an oni.
"Yes, at ease foolish woman, if you know what is good for you," Drahmin inputs, his voice higher than Mileena anticipated.
His threatening glare behind his mask does not even slightly intimidate Mileena. She exits her stance, placing her hands on her hips with a smile, not breaking eye contact with him.
"Pathetic oni, I suggest you be at ease with me," she shoots back, and then phases into her Tarkatan appearance, giving him a loud hiss.
Drahmin slightly tenses up as he watches her switch her appearance.
"Enough! Drahmin, you will treat her with respect," Shinnok orders.
A low growl escapes Drahmin as he eyes Mileena.
"Yes my lord," he gruffly replies.
"Now, go to the bottom chamber, ready a hundred souls for Quan Chi," Shinnok orders.
Drahmin bows his head and steals one last look at Mileena before taking off in the direction from which he came.
"Come, time to see the fifth plane," Shinnok says just before they both vanish once again.
They reappear on a cliff that overlooks an infinite amount of other cliffs. Fountains of lava travel with most of the cliffs, accompanied by falling corpses here and there as well. Dust and bones linger on every cliff far and wide as well.
"The Netherrealm Cliffs…" Mileena recognizes.
"Indeed, one of the more semi-chaotic areas," Shinnok admits.
"They greatly resemble the Outworld Cliffs," she takes note.
Oni and demons are spotted on other cliff platforms, roaming about and murdering aimlessly. However, the platform they stand on is rather clear and quiet, almost too quiet for Mileena's liking. She turns and examines a building they stand in front of. A large skull with torches surrounding it is mounted above the door of this shrine-like building. It almost appears to be a…lair.
"What are you doing here?!" an angry and spiteful voice shouts, catching their attention.
Mileena turns to make eye contact with Scorpion, the most known specter in not only Outworld, but even Earthrealm. Seeing him brings another flashback to her mind.
"Tell me something I don't already know," she tries to speed past him leaving it at that, but his hand stops her by gripping her arm somewhat gently.
She turns back looking at first her arm, and then him seeing what he has to say now. His somewhat curly brown hair blows lightly on the wind; his tan skin even seems to glow.
"I mean it Mileena. You're a huge asset in this tournament. If only you knew why," he explains with a tone and a look in his strong white eyes that lets her know he is far from joking.
However it is just one move, nothing special. She already knows why she is vital to the utterly pointless tournament anyway; because she is "the emperor's daughter."
"Appreciated, I have a feeling you'll do very well too," she finishes and starts walking back to her father, leaving it at that.
She looks back to see him leaning ever so gracefully against the ship's weapon hold, watching her leave.
"Hanzo…" her eyes slightly widen with a hint of confusion at the remembrance of such an event in her past life.
"Hanzo is dead. You speak with Scorpion," he says angrily.
His white eyes have become emotionless. His black and flaxen armor is much more warrior-like and his hair is now concealed by a full head mask. After he murdered Bi-Han he seemed slightly more content about his existence as a specter. However, he was right back to the old feeling of hatred he's always known since his resurrection.
Whatever happened to alter his personality must be related to that, for Hanzo may be cold, but he is no dishonorable being. There is a logical reason to all his actions, even when he is wrong.
"Mileena is your new ally, I suggest you adapt to her reoccurring presence," Shinnok states boldly.
"I have no allies!" Scorpion shouts, causing flames to erupt from his forearms and clenched fists.
Mileena faces him in slight confusion. She would need to locate him again in private, for there are things she must get to the bottom to concerning her past life and the specter.
"I take it you are the specter of rage," Mileena advances closer to him. "However, I've seen a side of you I'm sure most beings that draw breath have not," she adds.
Scorpion somewhat eases, slightly extinguishing the flames, yet still keeping a threatening posture.
"You know nothing," he scolds.
"We shall conversate later, specter," she says while turning back to Shinnok.
Scorpion faces her in slight irritation as she walks away from him. He vanishes into flames before them as Mileena comes face to face with the former Elder God.
"Who's next?" Mileena asks.
Shinnok grins as they teleport into a field of orange dirt. Several low demonic growls and distorted voices are heard, and many beings of the after-life are spotted. They travel about with no destination, forever trapped inside this plane with no consciousness.
"This is the Wander Fields, which the sight alone is self-explanatory as to how it got that title," Shinnok indicates.
Mileena turns to her right only to dodge an axe attack from a random approaching demon. Before she could retaliate however, a sword with a zigzag pattern rather than a straight pattern travels through the demon's chest, causing his blood to fly though the air, yet not staining Shinnok or Mileena. The demon drops to his knees with a grunt and then obliterates into a white, luminous like dust that travels to the sword. The sword seems to absorb the energy.
The sword's wielder is a woman dressed in an all-white, one piece robe that resembles a hanfu and is outlined in gold. A kasa with a long, transparent, white sash that reaches her mid back graces her head. Another sash compliments her waist, giving her an elegant and old-fashioned look. Several kanji going are displayed around the brim of her kasa and her tied brown hair along with her slanted white orbs bring out the smooth texture of her face, making her look very sympathetic. Yet there seems to be some sort of innocence about her, despite the horrid realm they stand in.
This impresses Mileena, for seeing a glimpse of her kombat skills gives her an idea of how far the limits of her strength are. Seeing what took place, the oni and demons that are in plain sight avoid them, yet still aimlessly and lifelessly roam in the desert-like field of deep orange.
"Ashrah, my specter of light, you never seem to miss a foe. Impressive," Shinnok compliments.
"It is no complication, I live to serve," she replies.
"Meet your new ally, Mileena," he introduces.
Ashrah's kind eyes meet Mileena with slight interest. Mileena sends the same look with a devious grin.
"I sense much good in you, more good than your corrupted nature. How you exist here seems…strange," Ashrah observes.
"I could say more than the same about you," Mileena replies.
This brings a friendly grin to Ashrah's lips.
"I believe I shall be seeing plenty more of you. Until then, I give my salutations," and with that she spins, creating three white luminous rings that surround her body.
In what seemed like a split second, she vanished in a flash of white light. Mileena redirects her attention back to Shinnok.
"Specter of light…seems as if she is no specter at all," she takes note.
"Yes but she, like you, is mandatory for the spell to be activated, regardless of her heavy sympathetic character. Come, the seventh plane awaits."
With a snap of his finger, they reappear in a large building that resembles the Prison of Souls. Though, the metals are rusted, and plenty of weapons are mounted on the wall. Near screams are heard, as well as what sounds like the ripping of skin and the breaking of bones. A large torture device stands in the middle of the large room they are currently in. What appears to be a mortal is strapped to the device, hollering out in agony as an oni circles her.
This oni in particular seems a bit different in appearance. His skin is a dull shade of blue with tints of green, almost making him appear as a dim teal. A third eye lies in the middle of his forehead, and like the other two, are a glowing yellow with crescent irises. His teeth are very large, not to mention the upper and lower fangs he possesses and his hands along with his feet seem to be abnormally shaped and large. Thick claws replace his normal nails and a chain travels down his arm that connects to a medium orb he clenches in his left hand. A dark brown pair of armored shorts covers his body, yet keeps his large tail free and several leather straps with tiny blades cover his body. He does not stand straight, but hunched over, displaying his large spinal bones down his back.
The torture device appears to be a table, and stretches the mortal by her arms and legs slowly. The snapping of her bones fills the atmosphere as the oni watches her suffer and winds the torture device faster, stretching the mortal to the point of her abdomen tearing. Her screams do not fail as the oni notices Shinnok's presence. He pauses his tormenting and walks forward, his three eyes landing on first Mileena, then the fallen Elder God.
"Lord Shinnok, my lady," he bows down, his deep and distorted voice not going unnoticed.
He is taller and wider than both Mileena and Shinnok and his muscles are five times larger than an average mortal's. His demonic voice fits his oni appearance as well, however unlike the other oni, he seems unusual. Yet, to Mileena, unusually foolish.
"Moloch, this is Mileena, an important specter much like yourself," Shinnok announces.
Moloch takes a good look at Mileena. A demonic smile creeps onto his face as his eyes examine her facial features, and then travel to her hips. Drool seeps out the corners of his mouth as his eyes meet hers again. This makes Mileena chuckle, for she had no idea oni possess human-like emotions. Though, this one is no mere oni, he is one-seventh of Shinnok's specters.
"A pleasure to meet such a beauty," his demonic voice compliments.
"A pleasure to meet such an oni," Mileena lies.
Perhaps she could use his assistance in the future. Moloch bows his head and turns back to his torture subject. Her cries begin to start again, but not as loudly.
"This is the Chamber of Dismembering. Moloch is the specter of pain, which I assume you've noticed by—" a loud scream comes from the woman on the torture device.
It seems as though Moloch tossed a throwing knife into her abdomen, causing it to rip open even faster as blood drips from each side.
"That," Shinnok grins. "Anyhow, continue Moloch," and with that they vanish once more.
They reappear in a desert of deep red. Dead bodies and severed limbs are scattered about, and the stench of death fills the air. Thick sand particles fly through the air, which would make the scenery hard to see for normal eyes, much like the Slaughter Fields. Mileena examines around the deathly fields a moment. No signs of life whatsoever.
"This is the eighth and final plane I've assigned, for I reside on the ninth," his white orbs meet Mileena's. "The Netherrealm Wastelands."
"With such a dark setting I assume the specter of darkness is here," Mileena concludes.
"You assume correct," a deep voice says, causing Mileena to turn around.
A shadowy figure approaches rather calmly with a human-like appearance, following behind a man with dark skin like ink. Suddenly the shadowy figure becomes one with the dark man. His pitch black ninja gear reveals his muscular arms as well as part of his torso. Should night hit, he would surely be invisible, making him not only live up to his title of specter of darkness, but a formidable asset in stealth.
"Indeed, Noob Saibot has a valuable set in skills, much like yourself," Shinnok adds.
His white orbs are the only true visible part on his body that is not dark, and any hair he may have is concealed by a gothic face mask. Spikes linger on his ninja gear, along with a few blades.
"Well, the name fits I suppose," Mileena comments as he comes face to face with her.
"You are the specter of lust…" he eyes her for a moment. "The name fits I suppose."
Mileena grins at this.
"A smart one…finally," she thinks as she turns to Shinnok.
"You have met all of your fellow eyes in this realm Mileena. Travel about this realm as you wish, but control Nekros as you have been," Shinnok announces.
Mileena nods and then he disappears, a violet light following behind him. She turns her attention back to Noob.
"A pleasure to meet another specter with intelligence, however, I must be on my way," Mileena turns to walk away.
"Back to Nekros? You plan to walk?"
"No, to the Cliffs. There is something I must know," she replies, determination filling her white orbs.
"Allow me to teleport you there," he says opening a black portal on the ground in front of him.
Mileena turns and eyes him with suspicion. She steps closer to the portal and peers into it. It is pure darkness. She meets his orbs once again.
"If I were planning to kill you, I would have already done so," he bluntly answers her unspoken suspicions.
She walks around the portal, coming face to face with him yet again, but even closer. She places her index finger below his chin and her thumb on the base of his chin, lowering his head to meet her eyes directly. She leans in, her lips brushing past his cheek and to his ear.
"You would have tried," she corrects him in a seductive whisper, and slowly pulls away as his eyes follow her.
He raises an eye brow.
She steps down into the portal, vanishing from his sight with a grin.